sure, just scrap the F35 over a plane that has logged less than an hour of flight time so Australia can buy the F22 instead of the F35 even though it has already had to scale back it’s plan to purchase 100 F35s over the recession. The more I think about it, I’ll be shocked if Russia ever produces the T50 let alone exports it to anyone. I think they saw the F22/F35 friction and are trying to exacerbate it.
>>I think they saw the F22/F35 friction and are trying to exacerbate it.<<
Now THAT is an interesting observation... Certainly worth contemplation and analysis.
Russia has to produce a 5th-generation fighter sooner or later. Might as well be the PAK FA. Their defense industry comprises a much larger share of their overall economy than ours does to us. As a result, even for reasons other than national defense, they have to try and keep up. Also, India’s an investor in the program (via the related FGFA), so I think this has a lower chance of turning out to be vaporware than it would otherwise.